November 06, 2009 -- Robert Connelly of Fairfield experienced the matinee of a lifetime without even stepping into a movie theater, thanks to his purchase of a "$70 Million Blockbuster" CT Lottery instant ticket this past Friday.

The top prize to be won in the game is $1,000,000, and that's exactly what Connelly discovered his ticket, purchased at News Stop on Stratfield Road in Fairfield, contained.

And what was the first thing Connelly did when he realized his good fortune? "I signed the back of the ticket, then called my attorney," Connelly said as he waited for his claim to be processed by CT Lottery officials.

Mindful of the value of his prize, Connelly quickly contacted management at the bank where he keeps his finances, and asked for a favor to keep the bank open until he could make his way back through Friday afternoon Fairfield County traffic so that his Lottery jackpot could be deposited. They agreed.

$70 Million Blockbuster's top prize is payable as a 20-year annuity, or as a one-time cash-lump sum. Connelly opted for the lump sum payment and headed to his bank of choice with a CT Lottery prize check in the amount of $425,525 (state and federal taxes had been previously deducted).

News Stop in Fairfield is a winner, too. For selling a $70 Million Blockbuster top prize ticket, they'll receive a $10,000 bonus check from the CT Lottery. Connelly is the fifth to claim a top prize.